ABSTRACT
Prevalence of depression and associated factors were investigated in 2,518, 18-year-old males, in probabilistic samples of residents in 5 areas of Argentina: city of Buenos Aires (Federal District), municipalities of the province of Buenos Aires in two areas, NE and SE; central and northern area of the province of Córdoba, and province of Mendoza. A self administered epidemiologic questionnaire was employed, including personal, familial and environmental history and 21 question from Beck's Depression Inventory. Depression was classified as mild, moderate and severe. Mild depression was more frequent in the five areas (14.8 per cent to 24 per cent), followed by moderate (7.4 per cent to 16.3 per cent) and severe (3.6 to 4.5 per cent). Association with other variables was analyzed by means of Relative Risk (RR) herewith reporting those with headaches, absences from home, conflicts sentimental and with friends, low credits at school, and use of marijuana. Moderate depression was associated with headaches, absences from home, history on aggressive, nervous and sad mood in childhood, previous depression, and use of marijuana. Severe depression was associated with headaches, absences from home, history on aggressive, nervous and sad mood in childhood, previous depression, and use of marijuana. Prevalence of depression found was similar in all areas. It's necessary to continue studying depression in adolescence.